Thousand of street children suffering from various issues
are adrift in Phnom Penh,
and officials said Thursday they need training, not detention, to
better their lives.

"We give them vocational training and education,"
said Ly Sophat, a program director for the NGO Mith Samlan, which works with
street children. "When they leave us, they can find a job."

Mith Samlan does not detain children, she said, speaking
Monday as a guest on "Hello VOA."

Phnom Penh
authorities have come under pressure in recent days for the use of two
rehabilitation centers, which the rights group Licadho called unlawful
detention centers.

Phnom Penh Deputy Governor Mann Chhoeun told "Hello
VOA" Monday he was not careless about children, and the city had at least
one rehabilitation center that trains children in computer skills, English and
motor repair, as well as helping them overcome drug addiction.

Ly Sophat told listeners they could find Mith Samlan at 215
Street 13, in Daun Penh district, Phnom
Penh, or call them at 023-426-748 or 023-220-596.